COW-CALF WEEKLY
A PRIMEDIA Property
September 2, 2005
If you want to view this on the web go to:
http://enews.primediabusiness.com/enews/beef/v/265
OUR PERSPECTIVE
--Nation Focuses On Aftermath Of Hurricane Katrina
The images of Hurricane Katrina's destruction and devastation are almost incomprehensible. I certainly know I have no concept of the frustration, fear and desperation so many along the Gulf Coast must be feeling. It goes without saying these folks need our prayers. The power of prayer is incomprehensible and almost always underutilized.
As I sat down to write this, I thought I'd mention the likely effects on the overall economy and energy prices. Fuel already is at record price levels, and modern ag is as energy-dependent as any industry out there.
The economy will be affected, as will beef demand, as disposable income is reduced (at least in the short term), particularly as we head into Labor Day, one of the biggest beef consuming holiday weekends of the year.
So much of our grain and products headed for export markets is moved through the shipping ports along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River. But the effect of Katrina on ag markets seems so insignificant that it seems almost wrong to mention it.
There are roughly 40,000 cattlemen who read this electronic newsletter every week. If each donated $100, that would add $4 million to the relief effort. If we could all donate a calf this fall, that total would soar to $20 million.
As Americans rush to help in the next few weeks and months, the efforts of all will be a great help. These folks need lots of prayer and whatever financial aid we can offer. That's the great thing about America -- when tragedy strikes, we unite to come back stronger than ever.
-- Troy Marshall
INDUSTRY NEWS
--Cattle Groups Initiate Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, the National Cattlemen's Beef Disaster Relief Fund has been activated, and will be coordinated by the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF).
The money collected will go directly for the purchase of fencing materials, generators, feed and other supplies needed to help rebuild homes, ranches and lives. Disbursement of donations will be coordinated with the Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana cattlemen's associations, NCBA says.
To make a monetary donation to the relief effort, send a check to NCF and write "Hurricane Katrina" in the memo line. NCF can also accept credit card donations made by telephone. Donations also can be mailed to NCBA's Denver office. The address is: National Cattlemen's Foundation, 9110 East Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112. Telephone number is 303-694-0305.
"This is a time to pull together and help everyone whose lives have been devastated by this tragedy, but especially our fellow farmers and ranchers in the Gulf Coast region." says NCBA President Jim McAdams, Adkins, TX.
Among the first to contribute to the NCF effort was the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), which donated $2,500.
"KLA members feel a strong sense of responsibility to help our fellow producers trying to recover from this catastrophic natural disaster," says KLA President Tom Toll, Lindborg stocker operator and cattle feeder.
In addition, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) has set a goal of raising $1 million to support relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims. TCFA's "Cattlemen's Katrina Fund" campaign will work with feedyards, livestock auctions, packers and related industries to raise the funds.
"There are at least seven auctions in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle area that will take part in the fund and we expect many others to be part of this campaign," says TCFA Chairman Charlie Sellers of Amarillo.
TCFA presented local American Red Cross officials with a $25,000 donation on Sept. 1 to kick off the campaign. TCFA anticipates there will be pens of cattle sold specifically to fund the campaign, with proceeds going to the Red Cross. Feedyards, auctions and other entities outside the Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico area served by TCFA are encouraged to join in the campaign.
"We hope we can reach our goal of raising $1 million within 45 days," Sellers says. "Cattle people have always helped in time of need, and the victims of this hurricane need us now. I encourage all cattlemen to be a part."
To make a tax-deductible donation, send a check made out to "Cattlemen's Katrina Fund" to TCFA, 5501 Interstate 40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106. For more info, contact TCFA at 806-358-3681, or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
-- From NCBA, KLA and TCFA releases
--Hurricane Katrina Takes Her Toll On Agriculture
While the plight of city dwellers in New Orleans is garnering the brightest spotlight in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the area's ag community has also suffered. The situation is sketchy yet due to the communications isolation of the affected areas but here's a roundup of various reports.
The Mississippi Cattlemen's Association (MCA) says on its Web site that an assessment of damage and needs of cattlemen in Mississippi is "frustratingly slow."
"As of Wednesday, most of the southern half of the state remains without power or phone service; and while many roads have been cleared, the fuel shortage caused by lack of electricity for the gas pumps has made travel by anyone except emergency personnel very limited," the posted report at http://www.mscattlemen.org/ ( http://www.mscattlemen.org/) says.
"This is our first day to have power in the office and already, offers of help have come in from individuals and cattlemen's associations as far away as New Mexico and Virginia, as well as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association."
The State Fairgrounds have been designated as a location to stage posts, wire, panels and other supplies until they can be moved to the southern counties.
Anyone wishing to make tax-deductible contributions to the relief efforts for affected Mississippi cattlemen can send them marked "Katrina Relief" to: Mississippi Cattlemen's Foundation, 680 Monroe St., Jackson, MS 39202. Or call 601-354-8951 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
Meanwhile in Louisiana, Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says there's no clear word on the hurricane's impact on cattle as yet, "but it's probably safe to say that we have had pastures affected and could have lost some cattle," he says.
Linda Foster Benedict, associate director of LSU AgCenter Communications, Baton Rouge, writes in her post at http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news ( http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news) that sugarcane has been knocked down, milk production interrupted and even some crops in Northeast Louisiana are damaged. However, because communication and electricity are in short supply, getting a clear picture of the impact is difficult and will take weeks to fully ascertain, she says.
Guidry says the extent of damage to the state's dairy industry isn't yet known, but "most producers had to dump both Monday's and Tuesday's milk production because they simply had nowhere to send it, and if they had a plant to send it to, they could not get the transportation worked out."
A fourth of the state's nursery industry is in Southeast Louisiana, an area hit very hard by the storm. "...the nursery operations in those areas could have sustained considerable damage," Guidry says.
Meanwhile, citrus, especially in Plaquemines Parish, probably has been devastated. According to 2004 Ag Summary, the total citrus industry in the state was around $6.3 million of which $5 million was in Plaquemines.
Sugarcane farmers in areas closest to the path of Hurricane Katrina are looking at an additional harvest challenge because high winds knocked cane down. And they say harvest may be delayed past the regular schedule of early October.
Sandy Stewart, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist, says the overall condition of the cotton crop is still good. "The bulk of the state's cotton was apparently far enough west to avoid major wind damage," he said.
Bob Hutchinson, director of the LSU AgCenter's Northeast Region, says some corn and cotton were lodged, but soybeans seemed to weather the storm best.
-- Joe Roybal
For updates on the rescue of livestock, zoo animals, pets and horses:
http://www.HSUS.org
( HSUS is currently requesting that all available vaccinated Animal Control Officers with vehicles in the southern states, to come to staging areas within the affected areas to join their disaster rescue teams. )
http://www.americanhumane.org
http://www.noahswish.org
Keep in mind that this kind of disaster could of happened in YOUR neighborhood, YOUR town, YOUR county or YOUR state.
It could have affected YOUR family, YOUR job, YOUR lifestyle.
Your could be the one missing family members, or grieving the loss of one.... or many.
YOU could be the one homeless with nothing but the clothes on your back. Dazed, exhausted, dehydrated, injured or ill.
It could of been YOUR farm, ranch, business or home that was totally eliminated off the map.
Do what you can to help.
Cash or volunteer.
No matter where you live, you can help.
A PRIMEDIA Property
September 2, 2005
If you want to view this on the web go to:
http://enews.primediabusiness.com/enews/beef/v/265
OUR PERSPECTIVE
--Nation Focuses On Aftermath Of Hurricane Katrina
The images of Hurricane Katrina's destruction and devastation are almost incomprehensible. I certainly know I have no concept of the frustration, fear and desperation so many along the Gulf Coast must be feeling. It goes without saying these folks need our prayers. The power of prayer is incomprehensible and almost always underutilized.
As I sat down to write this, I thought I'd mention the likely effects on the overall economy and energy prices. Fuel already is at record price levels, and modern ag is as energy-dependent as any industry out there.
The economy will be affected, as will beef demand, as disposable income is reduced (at least in the short term), particularly as we head into Labor Day, one of the biggest beef consuming holiday weekends of the year.
So much of our grain and products headed for export markets is moved through the shipping ports along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River. But the effect of Katrina on ag markets seems so insignificant that it seems almost wrong to mention it.
There are roughly 40,000 cattlemen who read this electronic newsletter every week. If each donated $100, that would add $4 million to the relief effort. If we could all donate a calf this fall, that total would soar to $20 million.
As Americans rush to help in the next few weeks and months, the efforts of all will be a great help. These folks need lots of prayer and whatever financial aid we can offer. That's the great thing about America -- when tragedy strikes, we unite to come back stronger than ever.
-- Troy Marshall
INDUSTRY NEWS
--Cattle Groups Initiate Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, the National Cattlemen's Beef Disaster Relief Fund has been activated, and will be coordinated by the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF).
The money collected will go directly for the purchase of fencing materials, generators, feed and other supplies needed to help rebuild homes, ranches and lives. Disbursement of donations will be coordinated with the Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana cattlemen's associations, NCBA says.
To make a monetary donation to the relief effort, send a check to NCF and write "Hurricane Katrina" in the memo line. NCF can also accept credit card donations made by telephone. Donations also can be mailed to NCBA's Denver office. The address is: National Cattlemen's Foundation, 9110 East Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112. Telephone number is 303-694-0305.
"This is a time to pull together and help everyone whose lives have been devastated by this tragedy, but especially our fellow farmers and ranchers in the Gulf Coast region." says NCBA President Jim McAdams, Adkins, TX.
Among the first to contribute to the NCF effort was the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), which donated $2,500.
"KLA members feel a strong sense of responsibility to help our fellow producers trying to recover from this catastrophic natural disaster," says KLA President Tom Toll, Lindborg stocker operator and cattle feeder.
In addition, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) has set a goal of raising $1 million to support relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims. TCFA's "Cattlemen's Katrina Fund" campaign will work with feedyards, livestock auctions, packers and related industries to raise the funds.
"There are at least seven auctions in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle area that will take part in the fund and we expect many others to be part of this campaign," says TCFA Chairman Charlie Sellers of Amarillo.
TCFA presented local American Red Cross officials with a $25,000 donation on Sept. 1 to kick off the campaign. TCFA anticipates there will be pens of cattle sold specifically to fund the campaign, with proceeds going to the Red Cross. Feedyards, auctions and other entities outside the Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico area served by TCFA are encouraged to join in the campaign.
"We hope we can reach our goal of raising $1 million within 45 days," Sellers says. "Cattle people have always helped in time of need, and the victims of this hurricane need us now. I encourage all cattlemen to be a part."
To make a tax-deductible donation, send a check made out to "Cattlemen's Katrina Fund" to TCFA, 5501 Interstate 40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106. For more info, contact TCFA at 806-358-3681, or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
-- From NCBA, KLA and TCFA releases
--Hurricane Katrina Takes Her Toll On Agriculture
While the plight of city dwellers in New Orleans is garnering the brightest spotlight in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the area's ag community has also suffered. The situation is sketchy yet due to the communications isolation of the affected areas but here's a roundup of various reports.
The Mississippi Cattlemen's Association (MCA) says on its Web site that an assessment of damage and needs of cattlemen in Mississippi is "frustratingly slow."
"As of Wednesday, most of the southern half of the state remains without power or phone service; and while many roads have been cleared, the fuel shortage caused by lack of electricity for the gas pumps has made travel by anyone except emergency personnel very limited," the posted report at http://www.mscattlemen.org/ ( http://www.mscattlemen.org/) says.
"This is our first day to have power in the office and already, offers of help have come in from individuals and cattlemen's associations as far away as New Mexico and Virginia, as well as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association."
The State Fairgrounds have been designated as a location to stage posts, wire, panels and other supplies until they can be moved to the southern counties.
Anyone wishing to make tax-deductible contributions to the relief efforts for affected Mississippi cattlemen can send them marked "Katrina Relief" to: Mississippi Cattlemen's Foundation, 680 Monroe St., Jackson, MS 39202. Or call 601-354-8951 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
Meanwhile in Louisiana, Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says there's no clear word on the hurricane's impact on cattle as yet, "but it's probably safe to say that we have had pastures affected and could have lost some cattle," he says.
Linda Foster Benedict, associate director of LSU AgCenter Communications, Baton Rouge, writes in her post at http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news ( http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news) that sugarcane has been knocked down, milk production interrupted and even some crops in Northeast Louisiana are damaged. However, because communication and electricity are in short supply, getting a clear picture of the impact is difficult and will take weeks to fully ascertain, she says.
Guidry says the extent of damage to the state's dairy industry isn't yet known, but "most producers had to dump both Monday's and Tuesday's milk production because they simply had nowhere to send it, and if they had a plant to send it to, they could not get the transportation worked out."
A fourth of the state's nursery industry is in Southeast Louisiana, an area hit very hard by the storm. "...the nursery operations in those areas could have sustained considerable damage," Guidry says.
Meanwhile, citrus, especially in Plaquemines Parish, probably has been devastated. According to 2004 Ag Summary, the total citrus industry in the state was around $6.3 million of which $5 million was in Plaquemines.
Sugarcane farmers in areas closest to the path of Hurricane Katrina are looking at an additional harvest challenge because high winds knocked cane down. And they say harvest may be delayed past the regular schedule of early October.
Sandy Stewart, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist, says the overall condition of the cotton crop is still good. "The bulk of the state's cotton was apparently far enough west to avoid major wind damage," he said.
Bob Hutchinson, director of the LSU AgCenter's Northeast Region, says some corn and cotton were lodged, but soybeans seemed to weather the storm best.
-- Joe Roybal
For updates on the rescue of livestock, zoo animals, pets and horses:
http://www.HSUS.org
( HSUS is currently requesting that all available vaccinated Animal Control Officers with vehicles in the southern states, to come to staging areas within the affected areas to join their disaster rescue teams. )
http://www.americanhumane.org
http://www.noahswish.org
Keep in mind that this kind of disaster could of happened in YOUR neighborhood, YOUR town, YOUR county or YOUR state.
It could have affected YOUR family, YOUR job, YOUR lifestyle.
Your could be the one missing family members, or grieving the loss of one.... or many.
YOU could be the one homeless with nothing but the clothes on your back. Dazed, exhausted, dehydrated, injured or ill.
It could of been YOUR farm, ranch, business or home that was totally eliminated off the map.
Do what you can to help.
Cash or volunteer.
No matter where you live, you can help.
